Author: <span class="vcard">Bonnie</span>

Steam creators lend their love of Victorian literature to a brand new project, re-framing Bram Stoker’s classic Dracula as a podcast, in this innovative new project, The Dracula RadioPlay Experience. Steam members Liz Rishel, Sean Lenhart, Bonnie Bogovich, and Judy Kirby team up with Gwen Schmidt to breathe new life into this timeless work through the use of modern technology. This radio play features a full cast of characters, sound effects, and thematic music to set the tone of the drama. To complete the experience, each episode of this novel is released on the date that each character chronicles the happenings, so the listener may feel the passage of time as the story unfolds.

Cast member and founder Liz Rishel talks about how Steam the Opera began:

The concept was compelling, but daunting. A rock opera, with REAL opera singers who play rock band instruments. Where in Pittsburgh was I going to find 3 other performers who could do that? It was time to dust off my ol’ steampunky Rolodex and dig. But where to start? I knew a lot of opera singers, but not a lot who play rock instruments… that I knew of.

First, I want to thank all who followed our Kickstarter progress. While we didn’t make our goal, we are going to continue with pre-production and continue pushing for an adapted version of Episode 1. You’ll like it– there’s a few changes, but it still holds its integrity.

We had a few people approach us over the course of our campaign unsure as to whether or not this was being performed live. Rest assured, this is an internet movie project told through the style of opera. This means that everyone will be able to enjoy it equally, regardless of where you live in the world. Photos and video of “live performance” are of us performing songs as a band set, but through the video, you’ll get to see the complete project and the action that accompanies those songs.

Stay tuned for more information about the characters, as this is a character-driven piece. We do hope that you’ll like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @SteamOpera, and if you would like to sign up for our mailing list, shoot us an email SteamTheOpera at gmail dot com. We will use these methods to communicate when we are looking for extras for crowd scenes, holding benefits or fundraisers and things of that type.

Thanks for staying with us! It’s been a busy time for Steam and we appreciate everyone’s support!